Why do no audio enthusiasts use McIntosh?

"Why do you think that is??"

Well, since much of the stuff exhibited at shows is about hype, buzz and "latest and greatest," I suspect these folks would want to partner with similarly-inclined manufacturers. Pizzazz sells a lot of product.

Alternately, I doubt Mac needs this kind of "exposure" given their loyal following and dealer network.

Sort of like Mercedes...

Jc51373, You words from your Krell / McIntosh thread on amps/ preamps: "Not to be a complete ball-buster".............. I understand that the MC-402 was not to your liking and it just didn't work in your system, that's fine and you have your opinion. Krell is king and McIntosh is second rate crap. I get it. What is the point of honestly sharing you opinion in that thread and now entering this thread. Because you hated the McIntosh amp? You said it best, "complete ball-buster".

Trying to make a McIntosh analogous to a Mercedes is actually an excellent way to describe what I think of McIntosh, if you need to know. It's an over-priced status symbol, ruined by a conglomerate. I have now heard the McIntosh in three separate systems, including my own, and in all of them I got the same feeling from it.

I am entitled to my opinion of Mac, and you can flame all you want..I personally would care less if someone didn't like a Krell amp, or a piece I owned. If it works for you, all the power to you, I just think it is not the best value. I do however think it is a little comical how people who own Mac get so defensive of the stuff.

Certain brands have acquired 'cult' status. To me, McIntosh is kind of like Cadillac, a brand that for decades was considered to be in the luxury class, but not high performance. I still think it is largely true. There are certainly better-performing product lines out there, but McIntosh still sells because it has been around longer and it certainly is well-built. I would prefer Mark Levinson electronics by a large margin.

WOW! Jc51373 and Uraniumcommittee I can agree with you in one area and that it is your opinion and that's what makes the world go around but obviously neither one of you have heard the product in a system that is great sounding, too bad for the both of you. You both would likely get along really well.

This is a hobby and there is nothing perfect out there no matter how much it costs, that's life but you both should know that. You should make it a practise not to bash other gear,
if you don't like it find but leave it at that because when you start making absorb statements that make no sense it only takes away from your credibility.